We detoured south on our trip homeward to visit granddaughter Jessi, who is a freshman at the University of Alabama. Due to distance and jobs, we have probably spent less time with Jessi than the other grandchildren so it was great to see her in her new life, blossoming into a lovely young woman. We took her to supper and got an abbreviated driving tour of the campus. I forgot my camera (!) so stole a new photo from her Facebook page that someone took earlier in the afternoon on a pumpkin patch trip with her sorority.

We opted for an RV park right along the interstate rather than the more distant Corps of Engineers campground. Most of the RVs belong to seasonal renters who leave their motor homes and fifth wheels here for Alabama football weekends. Being Sunday night, the park is full and there are almost no people. Kind of a post-Apocalyptic feel.

Apparently, there are a number of differences between 'RV parks' and 'campgrounds.' RV parks have less grass and trees and a lot more rules. This one even suggests that you wash your camper regularly. Well, the rain is taking care of that.

It was inevitable as we headed west and tropical storm Patricia came east, we were bound to meet. No introductions were necessary. Although so far, her personality seems more capricious than psychotic, thank goodness. Fairly heavy rain has alternated with drizzle through the night. We will head to Tupelo, Mississippi today and follow the Natchez Trace up into Tennessee tomorrow.